I moved from poverty to upper middle class and did so through education. My parents stayed married even though very poor which I believe made a huge difference. My college (as the 1st member of family to attend) was paid for with pell grants and scholarships. Those things are in place but I believe the culture that gives a hope for it to actually happen for the individual is key. My Dad was never active in the church but being in and surrounded by the families in the church made a huge difference in setting the cultural expectations and role models.